TX 985 
.U5 
1916 
Copy 1 



TREASURY DEPARTMENT 

SUPERVISING ARCHITECT 



INFORMATION AND SUGGESTIONS 



FOR THE 



CARE OF BUILDINGS 

UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE 
TREASURY DEPARTMENT 



1916 




WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1916 



D. Of D. 
SEP 7 1918 




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- CARE OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS. 



J GENERAL INFORMATION. 

It is the desire of the department to have the buildings under its con- 
trol maintained in a cleanly and first-class condition at all times. Cus- 
todians, as agents of the department, have direct charge and control of 
the operating force assigned for the care, maintenance, and repair of 
these buildings. The purpose of this pamphlet is to assist custodians in 
obtaining such results in the care and operation of the buildings as will 
reflect credit on the Federal service. 

A card is furnished by the department giving general instructions to 
the operating force as to what is required. These instructions are ampli- 
fied herein with a view to showing more in detail what is required and 
how the results can be secured, and to enable the custodians to direct 
the operations of the employees to the best advantage. 

HOURS OF SERVICE. 

All employees on the operating force appointed at a per annum salary 
(other than charmen and charwomen) are required to serve eight hours, 
and the charmen and charwomen five hours per day at the building, 
with a minimum of service on Sundays and legal holidays. In case of an 
exigency these hours may be extended temporarily, without additional 
compensation or compensatory leave. Per diem employees must serve 
eight hours per day. Hours of service of per annum or per diem employees 
are exclusive of the time taken for meals. Hours of service must be 
strictly observed, the duties of employees industriously performed, and 
absence from the building during such hours is not permissible unless 
excused by the custodian. 

ASSIGNMENT OF DUTIES. 

It is desirable, so far as practicable, to assign to the different employees 
on the operating force specific duties in the care and cleaning of the 
building. In this manner the employees have better opportunity to 
specialize in the different kinds of work, and, furthermore, the responsi- 
bihty can be more easily placed in the event either good or bad results 
are secured. 

Where the custodian considers it advisable, he should prepare a schedule 
in detail indicating the hours of service of each employee, what work is 
to be done by each employee, and when it is to be performed. 

It is also frequently advisable, where a postoffice or other time clock 
is available for the purpose, that the employees be required to register 
on this clock the time of their arrival at and departure from the building. 

3 



4 CARE OF BUILDIi\GS. 

PERSONNEL OF EMPLOYEES. 

The employees are to perform such duties as may be required by the 
custodian exclusively in connection with the care, maintenance, and 
repair of the buildings, grounds, and equipment. 

Members of the operating force are not to engage in other employment 
in addition to their duties at the Federal buildings where such employ- 
ment would cause an interruption in the hours of assignment or interfere 
in any manner with their efficiency for the work for which they are em- 
ployed by the Government. 

Members of the operating force, except those whose duties require con- 
tinuous service in the fire or engine rooms, are expected to maintain neat 
personal appearance. The employees must work in harmony with each 
other. Discord will not be tolerated, and they are to be civil at all 
times to the public and the other employees in the building. 

Gossiping is to be avoided, and any complaint that a member of the 
operating force may have should be taken up with the custodian. 

Members of the custodian force are prohibited from engaging others 
to do their work or to assist therein. 

Any employee found guilty of bringing intoxicants into the building, 
reporting for duty in an intoxicated condition, or using or being under 
the influence of intoxicants while on duty, will be subject to suspension 
on charges to be preferred by the custodian. 

DEBTS, LOANS, ETC. 

The department insists on the satisfactory liquidation by employees 
on the custodian force of debts for necessaries incurred by them while 
in the Government service, and it will not retain in its employ persons 
against whom claims are frequently submitted fol" the nonpayment of just 
debts; nor will the department retain in its service employees who make 
loans at usurious rates of interest. 

WATCHMAN'S REPORTS. 

The Office of the Super\-ising Architect furnishes a form for watch- 
man's report, and in buildings where watchmen are assigned these reports 
are to be rendered daily to the custodian. 

GROUNDS AND APPROACHES. 

Sidewalks and entrance steps are to be kept free from dirt, snow, and 
ice. They should be swept or washed down with hose every day when the 
weather permits. • The washing should be done early in the morning if 
possible. 

The lawn around the building is to be kept well mowed and free from 
waste paper and debris of all kinds. Where weeds exist they are to be 
removed. The lawn is to be sprinkled sufficiently to maintain a good 
growth of grass, automatic sprinklers to be used where the lawn is of 



CARE OF BUILDINGS. 5 

considerable size. In the late fall a good growth of grass should be 
allowed to develop and should not be cut, as it will tend to keep the 
roots warm during the winter. 

Hedges are to be kept well trimmed and properly cared for. 

Areas are to be kept clear of dirt, leaves, rubbish, etc., and drains in 

same kept open. 

GARDEN HOSE. 

Garden hose should not be left on the ground or exposed to the ele- 
ments when not in use, but should be drained, placed on a reel, and 
stored under cover. Hose that becomes slightly defective should not be 
discarded, but if practicable should be repaired. with hose menders, which 
are a stock article at hardware stores. Good portions of the hose may 
thus be utilized and again made serviceable. * 

FLOORS— MARBLE, TERRAZZO, OR CEMENT. 

The frequency with which floors of this character are to be mopped 
or scrubbed depends upon local conditions. Generally, however, lobby, 
corridor, and toilet-room floors on which the traffic is heavy should be 
scrubbed every night. Mopping alone will not suffice to keep them clean, 
as the travel over the floor grinds the dirt into the marble and it can be 
removed only by a thorough scrubbing with a brush or scrubbing mop. 
Where the traffic is not heavy, these floors should be scrubbed once or 
twice a week and mopped every night. 

The department furnishes a cleaning powder, commonly known as 
"scouring powder," which is to be used in cleaning floors of this kind, as 
well as closet and urinal bowls and lavatories. This powder contains 
about 75 per cent of fine sand. It is not to he placed in the bucket, as the 
same will not dissolve, but will settle to the bottom. It should be sprinkled 
over the floor lightly, then the scrubbing brush or mop applied. To get the 
best results in spreading the powder on the floor, a sprinkler or shaker 
should be used. 

In scrubbing the floor warm water should be used when it is available, 
after which the floor is to be thoroughly washed with clean mops and plenty 
of clean water. In connection with this work, also, care is to be taken to 
clean under and back of radiators, in the corners, and to keep the base;5 
of the walls from becoming stained. 

FLOORS, WOOD. 

Unpolished or unvarnished floors should be swept and scrubbed with a 
solution of soap powder and warm water, and the floor surface then thor- 
oughly dried. 

When cleaning these floors care should be exercised not to permit the 
water to remain long thereon. By cleaning small sections and drying 
them quickly floors will not become saturated with water, which causes 
them to buckle and ridge. 



6 CARE OF BUILDINGS. 

Polished wood floors should seldom be cleaned with scrubbing materials 
of any character. When necessary to wash them, same should be done 
with a solution of about i K tablespoonfuls of household ammonia to 2 
gallons of water, and rinsed with clear water, to be wiped off with a cloth 
or mop dampened with furniture polish. These floors should be wiped 
daily with dustless mops. 

SOAP POWDER. 

The soap powder furnished by the department is to be applied mainly 
on wood floors, and can be used most economically by converting it into 
soft soap, as per the following formula: Take a pail or other receptacle 
and fill with 12 quarts of very hot water, then pour in 3 pounds of the 
powder, mixing thoroughly. Set away and let it get cold. Such mixture 
makes about 25 pounds of soft soap. A cupful of this soap makes a good 
suds for about 14 quarts of hot water. 

WOOD BASES. 

Special care must be taken when scrubbing floors to avoid the removal 
of the finish from wood wall bases and the bases of furniture. 

FLOOR BORDERS. 

Borders of office floors on which there are rugs should be thoroughly 
cleaned, stained, and varnished. This work should be done by the oper- 
ating force in the building when practicable, the custodian to submit bids 
for the materials required. These borders should be frequently wiped 
with dust cloths or dustless mops. 

FLOOR OIL. 

The floor oil used by the department consists of 2 parts commercial grade 
paraffin oil and i part kerosene oil. This oil should be kept in a metal 
receptacle, preferably a galvanized can with a spigot. For the moderate- 
sized buildings it is suggej>ted that a stock of about 30 to 50 gallons be 
secured at a time. 

When floors are oiled the floor oil should be applied with a specially 

made floor oiler or small mop, and thoroughly rubbed into the wood. 

Before this oil is applied the floor must be cleaned thoroughly with a 

strong soap solution, rinsed, and allowed to dry. Only a small quantity 

of oil is necessarv. 

SWEEPING COMPOUND. 

Sweeping compounds of any description, when used, are to be confined 
exclusively to wood floors or floors covered with linoleum. In no instance 
should sweeping compound or oil brushes be used on marble, tile, or 
terrazzo floors, carpets, or rugs. 

In connection with the sweeping of marble, tile, or terrazzo floors, the 
use of damp sawdust is most suitable to prevent the rising of dust. 



CARE OF BUILDINGS. 7 

The department does not supply sweeping compounds of a proprietary 
nature, and where such a compound is needed it is to be made up accord- 
ing to the following formula : 

Parts by weight. 

Sand lo 

Sawdust 3^ 

Salt iX 

Paraffin oil i 

The mixing of the ingredients must be done on the premises by the 

operating force. 

STAIRWAYS. 

Scouring powder is to be used in scrubbing marble, stone, or cement 

stair treads and risers, but it is not to be used on the polished marble. In 

this connection, cleaners are cautioned not to allow dirt to accumulate 

in the corners. 

POLISHED MARBLE. 

It is seldom necessary to wash polished marble. The best results come 
from dry cleaning, rubbing it down frequently with a dry soft cloth or 
cotton waste. When necessary to wash it, how^ever, warm water should 
be used and only in small quantity, changing it frequently in order to 
keep it clean. Never use soap or any cleaning preparation. 

Practically all stains except those from rust, creosote, or oil can be 
removed with a bleaching solution known as Javelle water. When the 
stains have been allowed to stand for a considerable time some difficulty 
will be experienced in their removal even with this preparation, but it 
can be accomplished by repeated applications. When the stain can not 
be removed by rubbing the marble with a cloth saturated with this solu- 
tion, a small quantity of the Javelle water should be spread on the stained 
surface and allowed to stand for some time, after which the rubbing 
process is to be applied. If the stain is on a vertical slab, saturate a piece 
of white blotter with the solution and place it on the marble. 

Javelle water can be secured at any drug store. It can be prepared by 
putting 4 pounds of sal soda (common washing soda) into a vessel with 
I quart of water and boiling for lo minutes; then add i pound of chloride 
of lime free from lumps. W^hen cold, strain into a jug or large bottle and 
keep tightly corked. 

Oil stains may be removed with gasoline. This, however, must be of 
the best quality, as otherwise the results may be disappointing. Saturate 
cotton waste or white blotting paper and press it firmly against the 
marble. If necessary this should be allowed to remain several days, 
wetting it frequently with gasoline. 

TOILETS. 

As the sanitary condition of the building is of the utmost importance, 
the toilet rooms must be kept scrupulously clean throughout, and every 
care should be taken to maintain the cleanly and sanitary condition of 



8 CARE OF BUILDINGS. 

bowls, lavatories, slop sinks, shower baths, floors, wainscoting, and stall 
partitions. Dirt is not to be permitted to accumulate back of closet 
bowls or in any other places. 

Closet and urinal bowls may best be cleaned on the inside by throwing 
a bucket of hot water into the bowl, which wall produce a flush; then 
thoroughly cleanse the bowl by the use of scouring powder, employing a 
brush to eff'ect a cleaning of the neck of the bowl. 

Care should be exercised to see that no undue waste of water is per- 
mitted in regulating the flushes of closets and urinals. 

DISINFECTANTS. 

The department does not favor the use of disinfectants in the care of 
its buildings, as it has been satisfactorily demonstrated that sanitary and 
efficient cleaning renders the use of disinfectants unnecessary. The 
removal of filthy and insanitary conditions can be effected by the liberal 
use of soap, soap powder, or scouring powder, and the utmost care should 
be exercised by the cleaning force at all times to see that objectionable 
and insanitary conditions are not allowed to develop. 

There may be instances, however, where custodians may consider the 
use of disinfectants as absolutely necessary, and in that event they should 
present the matter to the department, with a detailed explanation, for 
suitable instructions. 

BRASS AND NICKEL WORK. 

The brass work on the entrance doors, brass railings, brass or nickel 
cuspidors, brass hardware on interior doors, etc., and all nickel-plated 
work in toilet rooms and elsewhere must be kept well polished. 

When the metal work is on wood or stone, special care must be taken 
not to smear the polish on the wood or stone. This can ordinarily be 
accomplished by a shield of thin, tough cardboard laid on the wood or 
stone and up against the metal. 

Brass and nickel work, when well polished, may be kept in good condi- 
tion by frequently wiping it with a dry cloth. Metal polish made accord- 
ing to the following formula effects a satisfactory cleaning of brass and 
nickel, and is approved by the department : 

Formula for i gallon vietal polish. — Four pints household ammonia, 2}^ pints kero- 
sene, i>2 pints gasoline, y^ fluid ounce raw linseed oil, 2>^potmds best bolted whiting. 

Method of preparing. — Mix the ammonia, kerosene, and gasoline. Add the whiting, 
stirring briskly until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, then add the linseed oil. 
After the linseed oil is added, the entire mixture should be stirred for 3 or 4 minutes. 

Directions for use. — Apply the polish with a piece of cheesecloth on the surface to 
be cleaned. Rub briskly until tarnish is removed, then follow with a dry, clean cloth 
until a luster is produced. Shake well before using. 

It is important that the metal polish be kept in tightly stoppered receptacles, to 
prevent evaporation of the gasoline. The polish should be thinned with gasoline and 
ammonia if it becomes too thick. 

A supply of this polish should always be on hand in the building. 



CARE OF BUILDINGS. 9 

BRONZE. 

The interior and exterior bronze work, including lock-box fronts, must 
be given careful attention in order to preserve its beauty and luster. 
This can readily be accomplished by frequently wiping the metal with a 
dry, soft cloth. Occasionally the cloth should be moistened with a prepa- 
ration consisting of equal parts of crude oil, turpentine, and citronella or 
lemon oil. This preparation must be kept in air-tight containers of tin 
or glass. 

If bronze has been allowed to stand for a considerable time without 
any special care and has become darkened from grime and the action of 
the elements, as is sometimes the case with outside lamp standards and 
brackets, it should first be washed with clean water containing a small 
quantity of ammonia, this washing to be done with a sponge or soft cloth 
applied lightly. Scrubbing is not permitted. The application of acid, 
soap, or abrasive preparations on the bronze, also, is not permitted, as 
they will remove the lacquer. 

The above treatment also applies to interior lighting fixtures which 

are lacquered. 

LINOLEUM. 

Through the continual mopping necessary in its proper care, linoleum 
floor covering becomes dry and loses its resiliency. A satisfactory 
method of overcoming this condition is to treat it with the following 
preparation, which should be applied with a mop and well rubbed in, the 
floor first to be thoroughly washed and allowed to become dry. This 
preparation will be entirely absorbed by the linoleum within 24 hours. 
The treatment should be repeated about every 6 months, depending 
upon local conditions. 

Parts to a 
gallon (pints). 

Kerosene oil 3 

Turpentine 2 

Paraffin oil sK^ 

Japan drier % 

To be mixed in the building by the operating force. 

One gallon of the above mixture ordinarily will cover between 500 and 

600 square feet. 

DUSTING. 

All parts of the building, together with the furniture, must be kept 
free from accumulations of dust. 

Especial attention must be given to the tops of molding, cases, stair 
handrails and balustrades, grilles, lighting fixtures, and glassware on 
same. 

The pigeonholes in cases must also be kept clear of dust, and when 
these pigeonholes contain papers relating to the postal or any other 
branch of the service the official in charge of that branch should be 
called upon to designate one of his employees to remove these papers, in 
order that the janitor force may effect the necessary cleaning, 
44096—16 2 



lO CARE OF BUILDINGS. 

It is requested that the occupants of offices keep removed from the 
tops of all furniture and from the floor all encumbrances which interfere 
with proper dusting and cleaning, and, as necessary, the provisions of 
this section should be brought to the attention of offending officials. 

Care must be exercised to avoid soiling walls above baseboards, chair 
rails, and wainscoting. A pasteboard or other suitable shield placed 
against the wall for its protection when dusting will be of assistance in 
this connection. 

The use of feather dusters is not approved by the department. In 
cases where dust cloths are not suitable, the special dusters specified in 
the schedule of supplies furnished annually by the department may be 
used. Whenever dusters of any kind are used, however, they must be 
kept clean by frequent washing, as the staining of wood or plaster work 
by the use of dirty dusters will not be tolerated. 

A satisfactory dusting cloth may be made by dipping a piece of cheese- 
cloth in hot soapsuds, then dry out the cloth, after which it should be 
dipped in kerosene oil and hung so as to allow to dry without wringing 
the cloth. 

Walls are to be dusted frequently by the use of approved wall dusters. 

LOOKOUT GALLERIES. 

Lookout galleries are to be kept free from dust and ready for imme- 
diate occupancy at all times. 

It is especially important that the louver slats and sills under same 

be kept clean. 

VACUUM CLEANERS. 

Where portable vacuum cleaners have been furnished, they must be 
used frequently for the purpose of removing dust from carpets, etc. 

The dust containers or bags of portable vacuum cleaners should be 
cleaned frequently, in a thorough manner, and at times should be beaten 
with a view to removing the dust from the weave of the fabric, in order 
that the full capacity of suction will be maintained. 

Where a permanent vacuum-cleaning system is installed in the building 
with several outlets, its use should be so prearranged that as many of 
these outlets as practicable may be operated at the same time, with a 
view to effecting economy of current. 

When using a vacuum cleaner, care should be exercised to see that 
matches, strings, or other articles liable to clog the hose are not taken up 
by the cleaner. 

CLEANING FURNITURE AND VARNISHED SURFACES. 

Damp cloths should not be used on furniture or varnished surfaces 
except when washing same, which should seldom be done. 

When washing varnished surfaces the same should be done by the 
use of I tablespooriful of ammonia to 2 gallons of lukewarm water, 



CARE OF BUIIvDINGS. II 

surfaces to be thoroughly rinsed and wiped dry, after which they are to 
be given an apphcation of furniture poHsh and rubbed vigorously until 
dry. 

At other times when furniture is pohshed, sufficient polish should be 
applied to cover the surface moderately and rubbed until dry. 

Care should be taken to keep the fronts of desks, arms of chairs, and 
other varnished surfaces free from the accumulation of grease and dirt 
from the hands, etc. This accumulation may be removed by the use 
of furniture polish or of special preparations refened to herein for remov- 
ing ink stains from varnished sui faces. 

It is necessary in order to keep the varnished wood trim in a building 
in good condition that it be rubbed down fiequently with a dry cloth, 
and occasionally with a cloth dampened with furniture polish and then 
wiped dry. 

Below will be found three formulae for furniture polish, from any oi 
which a satisfactory polish can be prepared, the mixing to be done by 
the employees at the building; 

Formula No. i. 

Paraffin oil i pint. 

Muriatic acid i ounce. 

Turpentine i ounce. 

Gasoline i quart. 

Mix and shake thoroughly before using. This should be kept in glass containers 
well corked. 

Formula No. 2. 

Kerosene oil 3^ pints. 

Turpentine 3^2 pints. 

Raw linseed oil i pint. 

Paraffin wax (or Parowax) i pound. 

Mix the paraffin and linseed oil, heat gently until the mixture is a homogeneous 
liquid, remove from the source of heat, add the kerosene and turpentine, and mix 
thoroughly. 

Formula No. j. 

Kerosene oil 3% pints. 

Turpentine 3^2 pints. 

Raw linseed oil '. . i pint. 

Mix thoroughly. 

Apply either of these polishes with cheesecloth and rub briskly. Cloths 
used for applying the polish should be hung up after using, and not 
thrown in corners or about the building because of the danger of spon- 
taneous combustion. 

Ink or grease stains may be removed satisfactorily from varnished 
surfaces by the use of furniture polish or special preparations on the 
market. 

Common soap and water should not be used in an attempt to remove 
ink or grease stains from lobby desks or other varnished surfaces. 



12 CARE OF BUILDINGS. 

WAX FINISH ON WOODWORK. 

This is to be dusted off with a clean dry cloth or other dry duster. Do 
not apply furniture polish to it. It is well, however, to rub it down 
occasionally with prepared wax. When the finish becomes stained, as is 
sometimes the case on door and other trim, it should be washed off with 
lukewarm water containing a small amount of ammonia, after which the 
surface should be re-covered with wax and polished. Prepared wax, 
which comes in small cans and has a very thick consistency, is suitable 
for this purpose. When it is laid on the wood, if the surface is flat, the 
polishing should be done with a small piece of carpet, or if the surface is 
grooved so that the carpet can not be made to reach' all parts, a soft 
brush should be used. 

UNOCCUPIED OFFICES. 

Offices and rooms that are not occupied at all, or only occasionally, are 
to be cleaned frequently and kept in good condition. 

FURNITURE. 

Furniture located in rooms that are not frequently used should be 
thoroughly cleaned immediately after rooms are vacated, and then cov- 
ered with suitable covers. 

It is desired, when a storage room can be made available, that all 
excess furniture be placed therein, neatly arranged, and covered to pro- 
tect it from dust. 

No broken furniture should be allowed to remain in any office rooms 
or pubHc place in the building, but should be immediately transferred to 
this storage room and replaced with good pieces if practicable. When a 
number of broken pieces have accumulated, bids should be submitted to 
the department for the repair of same. 

LOBBY DESKS. 

Where lobby desks have glass tops set on felt, dirt frequently works in 
around the edges and under the glass. In such cases the glass should be 
carefully raised from time to time and the dirt brushed out. Sometimes 
it is necessary to remove the molding supporting the glass at the front 
of the desk in order that the glass may be raised. When the molding is 
removed it should be reset with roundheaded brass screws. Where it is 
impracticable to remove the molding, a few small holes should be cut in 
the wood plate on which the glass rests, so that one edge of the glass can 
be raised sufficiently to enable it to be caught from the top, and then 
tilted up on the other edge and the felt cleaned. When cutting the holes 
be careful not to cut the felt. 

It is the duty of the operating force to clean and refill ink wells on 
lobby desks, remove soiled and worn blotters and replace them with new 
blotters, and place pens on the desks, as may be necessary from time to 
time. 



CARE OF BUILDINGS. I3 

Inkwells, ink, blotters, and pens for the desks in the post-office lobby 
are to be furnished by the Post Office Department, and for other lobbies 
by the branch of the service conducting the business requiring the use 
of the lobby. 

WASHING WALLS. 

It is the duty of the operating force to wash the painted walls and 
woodwork from time to time as the same becomes necessary. Much 
care, however, is to be exercised in this work in order not to leave the 
walls streaky or to dissolve the paint. A very weak solution of soap is to 
be used. Care is to be exercised to see that soap free from alkali or with 
but little alkali is used, as otherwise the paint will be dissolved. Also, 
the water must be changed frequently. Apply the water with a sponge, 
but not in such quantity that it will run down on the wall, and wipe it 
off immediately with a dry cloth or sponge. Unless this wiping is done 
effectively, the small globules of water left on the wall will evaporate, 
leaving after each a small quantity of dirt, thus making the wall streaky^ 

CUSPIDORS. 

All cuspidors in use should be cleaned every day with hot water, to 
which soap powder may be added. It may be necessary to clean the 
cuspidors located in the corridors and post-office workroom more fre- 
quently. After cleaning, a small quantity of clear water should be 
poured into each cuspidor. Care must be taken to clean the upper part 
of the bowl as well as the lower, in order to keep it in a sanitary con- 
dition. In no case should uncleaned cuspidors be allowed to remain in a 
room overnight. 

It is advisable to set all cuspidors on linoleum or rubber mats, which 
should be cleaned frequently. Iron cuspidors, in all cases, are to be 
provided with mats to prevent rust stains from damaging the floors. 
The practice of piling cast-iron cuspidors on top of each other must not 
be permitted. By doing so the enamel on the splayed portion becomes 
chipped, which not only produces an unsightly appearance but renders 
the cuspidors insanitary and more difficult to clean. A suitable device 
in the shape of a shallow box with strap handle, which will accommodate 
four or six cuspidors, can easily be built by a member of the operating 
force for use when gathering and distributing the cuspidors in the smaller 
buildings. In the larger buildings the same result may be secured by 
using a truck with box body, the cuspidors to be set in tiers in the box 
with a light wooden grating between each tier. Where trucks are used 
the wheels should have rubber or fiber tires. 

In many cases iron cuspidors which have become unserviceable by 
reason of the enamel being chipped may be again made serviceable for 
certain portions of the building by painting them with a coat of enamel, 
which can be apphed by the janitor force. 



14 CARE OF BUILDINGS. 

Where the practice obtains of washing cuspidors in enameled or porce- 
lain slop sinks, a slat wood base should be placed in the sink to prevent 
the cuspidors from chipping the surface. 

Federal employees must refrain from throwing lunch waste and trash 
into cuspidors. Where this practice prevails the custodian should 
endeavor to ascertain the names of the offending employees, in order that 
he may take the matter up with the head of the office to which the 
employee belongs, with a view to having the practice discontinued. 

JANITORS' IMPLEMENTS. 

Janitors' tools, implements, and supplies in connection with the care 

of the building, when not in use, should not be left in toilet rooms and 

corners of offices, corridors, or lobbies, but should be stored in janitors' 

closets or other available out-of-the-way places where they may be prop- 

erlv safeguarded. 

GLASS. 

All glass of windows, doors, screens and partitions, lock boxes, ceiling 
and skylights must be kept clean. 

For such cleaning service a solution of water and household ammonia 
in the proportions of i tablespoonful of ammonia to i gallon of water 
will prove effective. Care, however, should be taken not to remove paint 
from woodwork. 

Kspecial care must be taken to keep the glass in the main entrance 
doors clean and free from hand marks, and, if necessary, the glass should 
be wiped off twice a day. 

ELECTRIC LAMPS AND SHADES. 

I^amps should be kept absolutely clean at all times, and, when neces- 
sary, should be wiped with a damp cloth, switching on the current to 
lessen liability of breaking filaments. 

The glass shades and globes of the lighting fixtures should be removed 
and washed at such intervals as may be necessary, to remove deposits of 
dirt and grime that can not be removed by dusting. 

To clean Holophane glassware, use a stiff brush, letting the brush 
follow the direction of the prisms. 

Where the practice obtains of delivering a small supply of lamps to 
officials in the building, to be used in replacing burned-out lamps imme- 
diately, the employee charged by the custodian with the care of the sup- 
plies must keep a record of the number and wattage of the lamps given 
out, together with dates, and the official's supply is not to be replenished 
until he has returned to the storekeeper an equal number of burned-out 
lamps of the same size as those charged to him. 

If the filament in the lamp is burned or broken at only one point, the 
lamp can frequently be repaired by connecting it to a drop cord or any 
other socket where it will be in a vertical position, then vibrating it 



CARE OF BUILDINGS. 1 5 

slightly. When the two ends of the broken filament come together, they 
will immediately fuse, and thus complete the circuit. Where practicable, 
such repairs should be made and the lamps returned to ser\dce. Where 
these repairs can not be made, the bulbs should be packed in original 
cases and retained, together with bases of broken bulbs, for sale when 
a considerable quantity has accumulated. 

With a view to determining approximately the life of a lamp to see 
whether it comes up to the standard of hours of burning, which is i ,000, 
the lamp should be given a number, which should be marked on it's base 
with pen and ink, this number to be recorded in a memorandum book 
with the date of installation and also the date on which the lamp burned 
out. By estimating the number of hours the lamp burns each day the 
life of same can be closely approximated. A record of this kind should 
be made on about 10 per cent of each of the different-sized lamps in each 
consignment shipped to the building. Where it is found that the average 
of the tests made on any of the different-sized lamps shows a burning 
life of less than 1,000 or more than 2,000 hours, a report of the test should 
be made by the custodian to the Supervising Architect. 

SUPPLIES. 

Miscellaneous supplies are furnished, through the custodian, exclu- 
sively for the care, maintenance, and repair of the building, its equip- 
ment, and grounds. 

Supplies required for the use of employees in the building not con- 
nected with the custodian service, or for the transaction of the business of the 
various offices in the building, are to be furnished by the departments or 
bureaus to which such offices are attached. Towels, toilet soap, matches, 
etc., for the various employees in the building not connected imme- 
diately with the custodian service must not be furnished from the custo- 
dian's supply. 

Waste-paper baskets furnished through the custodian are for use in 
the public lobbies and for the operating force in gathering and removing 
waste paper, rubbish, etc., and not for use in the various offices in the 
building. 

Oils, waste, and similar supplies for use on the post-office canceling 
machines, Weather Bureau piinting presses, and like equipments installed 
exclusively in connection with the administration of some particular 
oflSce are not to be furnished from the custodian's supply. 

Supplies for the custodian's force, including electric lamps, toilet paper, 
etc., should be locked up separately from those belonging to other 
branches of the service. 

It is desirable also that a check list of the suppHes be kept on cards, so 
that it may be readily determined what quantities were received, when 
and by whom they were withdrawn, and the balance on hand. 

With a view to anticipating the need of supplies of different kinds and 
obviating the necessity for purchasing individual items from time to 



1 6 CARE OF BUIIvDINGS. 

time, frequently from funds advanced by the custodian, it is recom- 
mended that the custodian employee in charge make note at all times, as 
they occur to him, of the items that will probably be needed in the future. 
If the list is approved by the custodian, he should submit bids for the 

articles to the department. 

TOWELS. 

The towels furnished to the custodian by the Treasury Department are 
for the exclusive use of the custodian and the operating force in the 
building, and not for the various officials and employees in the building not 
connected with the custodian service. Such officials and employees should 
make application to their respective bureaus or departments for such 
supply as may be required by them. 

Towels are not to be furnished in the various toilet rooms throughout 
the building, but, in accordance with the provisions of Executive order 
dated September 30, 191 5, discontinuing the common towel, each 
employee must use the individual towels furnished him by the depart- 
ment or bureau under which he serves. 

Where the practice prevails of using toilet paper as towels, it should 
be reported to the custodian, in order that he may take the matter up 
with the head of the office whose employees use the toilet room in ques- 
tion, with a view to having the practice discontinued. If the custodian 
is unsuccessful in this, an effort should be made to ascertain the name or 
names of the offenders, which should be reported to the custodian, to be 
submitted by him to the Treasury Department, in order that the informa- 
tion secured may be brought to the attention of the head of the depart- 
ment or bureau to which such employee is attached. 

LAUNDRY SERVICE. 

The Office of the Supervising Architect pays for the laundering of all 
towels used in the building, whether originally furnished by such office 
or not. 

The number of towels allotted to each employee should not exceed two 
of the standard 20 by 40 inch hand towels per week, and not more than 
one of the 12 by 15 inch post-office towels per day to each postal employee. 
Accurate record should be kept by a member of the operating force of the 
number of towels that are sent to or returned by the laundry service 
company, in order that such record may be available for the use of the 
custodian in determining the accuracy of the account of the said company 
when certifying to the voucher in payment for their service, and to enable 
him to know that the proper number has been returned. 

ICE. 

The purchase of ice during the winter months is discouraged, especially 
in the colder climates. 

When it is not customary to place all the ice in the coolers immediately 
after it is received, and any is left over to be kept on hand during the day. 



CARE OF BUILDINGS. 17 

> 

suitable provision should be made to prevent its waste. Where the 
quantity is' small it can be preserved by placing it in a box of sawdust. 
Where the quantit}' is large, however, the custodian should make requisi- 
tion for an ice box. 

The correct weight of ice should be established by a member of the 
operating force and recorded by him, in order that such record may be 
available for the use of the custodian in checking up the ice company's 
bill before issuing voucher for payment. 

In a building where bubble fountains are installed, conne.cted with an 
ice box in the basement with coil, the overflow from the ice box should 
be adjusted so that the water from melted ice will come up to but not 
above the grating on which the ice sets. This can be accomplished by 
swinging the vertical overflow pipe forward or backward, so that the 
point of overflow will be on a level with the grating. This will effect a 
material saving in the amount of ice consumed, as against maintaining 
the overflow of the water above the grating with the ice setting in it. 

ASHES AND RUBBISH. 

Ashes and rubbish should not be perrrfitted to accumulate for any 
length of time in the basement or anywhere on the premises, but should be 
removed frequently by the contractors. Where this material is removed 
under a contract with the department, the contents of a can should be 
cotnputed and plainly marked on the can. A member of the operating 
force should maintain a record of the number of cans removed and the 
dates of removal, so that the informatfon may be available for the cus- 
todian when he issues voucher in payment for the service. 

The cubical contents of a can may be determined by multiplying the 
square of the diameter in inches by 0.7854, which in turn is again multi- 
plied by the height of the can in inches, then divided by 46,656, the num- 
ber of cubic inches in one cubic yard. 

At buildings other than where mechanical devices are installed for the 

removal of ashes there should be a suitable riumber of cans to contain the 

ashes and rubbish accumulating between periods of removal, and when 

the supply of cans is not sufficient the custodian should make requisition 

for the number required. 

AWNINGS. 

Awnings are to be raised each evening and during stormy and windy 
weather. Thev are to be taken down immediately after the summer 
season and properly labeled. They should be examined immediately after 
being taken down, and if any repairs are necessary to place them in proper 
condition for the following season and such repairs can not be made by 
the operating force, the custodian should submit bids to the department 
for such repairs before they are stored away for the winter. 

It is the duty of the operating force, when practicable, to put up and 
take down all awnings on the building. 



1 8 CARE OF BUILDINGS. 

SCREENS, WINDOW AND DOOR. 

All window and door screens are to be removed at the close of the sum- 
mer season and properly stored in a suitable place in the building. 

FIRE-HOSE EQUIPMENT. 

Fire hose and standpipes should be kept in serviceable condition for use 
at all times. 

Unlined linen fire hose is uniformly furnished by the department. 
This should be tested, under full pressure, once a year, and where it is 
found that the hose is defective, bids should be submitted to the depart- 
ment for new hose to replace the defective sections. When lin^n hose is 
dry and is placed under pressure the water will be forced through the 
meshes to a considerable extent until the hose fabric swells up, but it 
must not be assumed that this condition indicates the hose is defective. 

When making the test it is preferred to use an outlet in the base- 
ment. If this is not practicable, an outlet in the first story, which 
is near a rear window or rear door, may be used. When there is no 
suitable outlet with which to connect to make the test, the custodian 
should report the matter to the Supervising Architect for appropriate 
action. After the test is made, the hose is to be thoroughly dried. 
This can best be done by slinging it from the middle of the section, out 
of one of the upper-story rear windows, so that the ends will be off the 
ground. It should be left in this position for five or six hours, and 
if left out overnight the nozzles should be taken in; then the hose 
should be stretched out in the basement or wherever is the best location 
for the purpose, and allowed to dry for a week before returning it to the 
racks or reels. It is necessary that it be absolutely dry before being 
rolled up, as otherwise it will soon commence to rot. 

It is best not to test out all the hose in the building at the same time, 
allowing some to remain on the racks for use in case of fire. A card 
should be attached to each hose, indicating the date on which it was last 
tested. This card should be attached with a string and concealed 
between the folds of the hose. 

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. 

Chemical fire extinguishers should be recharged once a year, immedi- 
ately after the beginning of each fiscal year. The custodian should submit 
proposals for the necessary ingredients to recharge the extinguishers, the 
work to be done by the operating force. 

Pyrene fire extinguishers, however, do not lose their fire-protection 
efficiency and should only be refilled as it becomes necessary to replenish 
the charge. 

There must be attached to each extinguisher, other than the Pyrene, 
a card indicating the date when last charged. 



CARE OF BUILDINGS. 1 9 

ROOF. 

Gutters are to be kept clear of dirt, leaves, snow, ice, etc., and where 
these gutters are readily accessible this work is to be done by members 
of the operating force. All gutter outlets to downspouts should be 
provided with copper or galvanized wire-basket strainers, and in cases 
where these are not provided the attention of the department should be 
brought to the matter. 

Tin roofs and gutters should be kept well painted to insure their 
preservation. Frequent inspection of the roof should be made by some 
member of the operating force, and when painting is necessary he should 
call the attention of the custodian thereto. The operating force should 
have in stock, however, a small quantity of roof paint, a steel brush, and 
a paint brush, in order that when small patches of bare tin are discovered 
they can be painted immediately by the employees at the building. 

Minor leaks also in tin or copper roofs may be repaired by the custo- 
dian force in the following manner : Give the roof where the leak is located 
a very heavy coat of approved roof paint. Saturate a piece of canton 
flannel by dipping it in the paint, squeeze out the surplus paint, then 
cover the leak with the canton flannel, nap side down. Then smooth 
the flannel to lay solid and even on the root, and cover it with a heavy 
coating of the paint. The piece of cloth should be from three to four 
inches wide, and where the opening in the metal is very large the cloth 
should be laid in two thicknesses. This should be painted every two 
years, to insure its preservation. 

DRAWINGS OF BUILDINGS. 

These should be kept flat, free from dust, and in an accessible location. 
The department provides a case with large drawers for this purpose, 
and when no suitable accommodation exists in the building for the proper 
care of the drawings the custodian should make requisition for one of 
these cases. 

MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT. 

A card of "Instructions for the Guidance of the Engineering Per- 
sonnel at Buildings under the Control of the Treasury Department," 
dated July 24, 191 2, is published, and each building should be supplied 
with a copy thereof, to be displayed in a conspicuous place in the boiler 
room. Strict compliance with its provisions will be insisted upon. 
Where such card of instructions has not been furnished or has been lost 
or misplaced, the custodian should request the Supervising Architect 
to furnish him a copy. 

When any defects are found to exist in the mechanical equipment in 
any part of the building, the same should be reported to the department 
immediately. 

Employees charged with firing the boilers should be required to pay 
particular attention to the proper discharge of this duty, in order that 



20 CARE OF BUILDINGS. 

the maximum amount of heat may be secured at the least possible outlay 
for fuel, and with the least wear and tear on the heating apparatus. It 
must be appreciated that care in this direction will produce a much- 
desired economy in the expense of fuel. 

Unoccupied rooms should not be heated, and radiators in such rooms 
should be cut off, except that precaution must be exercised during very 
cold weather to prevent the freezing of pipes. 

The traps of plumbing fixtures are not to be allowed to become dry, 
as this condition permits the access of poisonous sewer gases into the 
rooms. Where such plumbing fixtures are not in use frequently, they 
should be flushed by a member of the operating force at least once a week, 
or the traps should be filled with some heavy oil which will not evaporate 
but will maintain the seal in the trap. 

Where a pressure reducer is installed on the water-supply system, the 
dials should be inspected from time to time to determine whether the 
reducer is operating properly. At times the valve seats become cut or 
worn, or the rubber cups become defective, and in such cases the dial on 
the house side will register a pressure practically equal to that on the street 
side. When such condition is found to exist, the custodian should take 
immediate action in having the reducer repaired and properly adjusted, 
as the high pressure will soon force the cocks on the plumbing fixtures, 
resulting in waste of water. 

Distributing cabinets throughout the building should be provided 
with cards indicating the lights controlled by each switch in the cabinet. 

Members of the operating force in charge should be familiar with the 
location of main cut-ofT valves on water and gas supply lines, clean-outs, 
and with the switches and fuses on electrical circuits in the building. 

Watchmen, janitors, firemen, or engineers should be admonished that 
failure on their part to have this knowledge and also to know the location 
of tools to properly operate same in case of emergency will subject them 
to reprimand or dismissal by the department. 

The operating force should always have in stock a supply of fuses of 
proper sizes for the dififerent circuits, and also a supply of washers and 
plugs for tank ball cocks and lavatory spigots, as well as tools for install- 
ing same, and it is required that some member of the force on duty be 
competent to install them. 

Care should be taken to detect waste of water through leaky plumbing 
fixtures. If the leaks can not be repaired by the operating force in the 
building and they are of a minor character, custodians are authorized to 
cause the necessary repairs to be made without delay and immediately 
report their action to the department for approval. If considerable 
expense is involved in the repair of such leaks, the approval of the de- 
partment should first be obtained by telegraph, giving an approximate 
estimate of the cost. 



CARE OF BUILDINGS. 21 

DESK FANS. 

At the close of the summer season all portable desk fans are to be 
removed from the various office rooms, properly tagged to indicate where 
they belong, cleaned and repaired, and then stored in a suitable location 
free from dust. If it is impracticable for some member of the operating 
force to clean and repair the fans the custodian should submit bids to 
the department for the work. 

ARTIFICIAL LIGHT. 

Members of the operating force are requested, so far as the matter can 
be controlled by them, to see that artificial light is not used unnecessarily. 
Where there is an apparent unnecessary use of current or gas which can 
not be remedied by the operating force without subjecting themselves 
to criticism from the employees in the building, the matter should be 
reported to the custodian for appropriate action. 

LOST ARTICLES. 

Lost articles found in or around the building should be turned over 
to the custodian immediately for appropriate action by him. 

DOOR-CHECK LIQUID. 

To satisfactorily charge door checks, make use of the following ingre- 
dients in the proportions indicated: Glycerin, 0.3 part; alcohol, i part. 

COOKING UTENSILS, BEDS, AND BEDDING. 

The use or storage of cooking utensils or materials (stoves, pots, etc.), 
beds or bedding within Federal buildings is prohibited. 

Byron R. Newton, 

Assistant Secretary. 
May 24, 1916. 



INDEX. 



Page. 

Approaches 4 

Areas 5 

Ashes and rubbish i" 

Assignment of duties to employees 3 

Awnings i7 

Bases, wood 6 

Beds and bedding 21 

Boilers, firing of 19 

Borders of wood floors 6 

Brass and nickel work 8 

Bronze 9 

Bubble fountains, adjustment of 17 

Building drawings 19 

Canceling machine, supplies for 15 

Cleaning too's to be properly stored 14 

Clock, time, ringing of, by employees 3 

Cooking utensils 21 

Cuspidors 13 

Cuspidors, throwing rubbish into, prohibited . 14 

Debts of employees to be promptly paid 4 

Desk fans zi 

Desks, lobby 12 

Disinfectants 8 

Distributing cabinets 20 

Doorchecks 21 

Door screens 18 

Doors, glass in 14 

Doorways, main entrance, glass in 14 

Drawings of building 19 

Drinking fountains, adjustment of 17 

Dust cloths, how to make 10 

Dusters: 

Feather 10 

Wall 10 

Dusting 9 

Duties of employees 3-4 

Electric bulbs: 

Cleaning 14 

Repairing burned out 14 

Testing 15 

Electric distributing cabinets •. 20 

Electricity, waste of 21 

Employees: 

Duties of 3-4 

Hours of service of 3 

Lending money by 4 

Not to bring intoxicants into building. . . 4 

Not to engage in outside work 4 

Not to engage others to do their work 4 

Payment of debts by 4 

Personal appearance of 4 

Personal conduct of 4 

Engineering personnel, card of instructions 

for 19 

Fans, desk 21 

Feather dusters 10 

Fire extinguishers 18 

Fire hose 18 



Page . 

Floor borders 6 

Floor oil 6 

Floors: 

Marble, terrazzo, cement 5 

Wood 5-6 

Flushes, closet, and urinal 8 

Furniture: 

Broken, to be removed from offices 12 

Cleaning and care of 10, 11, 12 

Polish, formula for n 

Removing ink or grease stains from 11 

Tops of to be kept clear 10 

Gas, waste of 21 

Glassware, cleaning of 14 

Grease or ink stains: 

Removal of, from marble 7 

Removal of, f .om va-nished surfaces 11 

Grounds 4 

Hedges 5 

Help, outside, employment by custodian 

force prohibited 4 

Hose: 

Fire 18 

Garden 5 

Hours of service of employees 3 

Ice 16 

Ink or grease stains: 

Removal of, from marble 7 

Removal of, from varnished surfaces 11 

Instructions to — 

Cleaning force, card of 3 

Engineering force, card of 19 

Intoxicants, bringing into building pro- 
hibited 4 

Janitor's implements to be properly stored. . 14 

Javelle water 7 

Lamps, electric: 

Cleaning 14 

Repairing burned out 14 

Testing 15 

Laundry 16 

Lawn 4 

Lending money by employees 4 

Light, artificial, waste of 21 

Lighting fixtures: 

Care of 9 

Glassware on 14 

Linoleum 9 

Lobby desks 12 

Lock-box fronts 9 

Lookouts 10 

Lost articles 21 

Marble floors s 

Marble, polished, care of 7 

Matches for custodian employees only 15 

Mechanical equipment 19 

Metal polish, formula for 8 

Mop boards 5 

23 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 



24 



INDEX. 



Page. 

Nickel and brass work 8 

Oil, floor 6 

Operating force: 

Card of instructions to 3 

To know location of cut-off valves, etc. . . 20 
Outside employment by members of operat- 
ing force 4 

Pigeonholes, cleaning of 9 

Plumbing, leaks in 20 

Plumbing traps 20 

Powder: 

Scouring 5 

Soap 6 

Pressure reducer 20 

Radiators, cleaning 5 

Roof 19 

Rooms, unoccupied: 

Care of 12 

Heating of 20 

Rubbish and ashes 17 

Sawdust 6 

Schedule of duties of employees 3 

Screens, window and door 18 

Scrubbing marble floors 5 

Scouring powder 5 

Sidewalks 4 

Slop sinks, false bottoms for 14 

Soap powder 6 

Soap: 

Soft 6 

Toilet, for custodian employees only 15 

Stairways 7 



Steps, entn ^ 014 632 874 ft « 

Supplies 15 

Sweeping compound 6-7 

Time clock, ringing of, by employees 

Toilet paper, use of, as towels prohibited .... 11 , 

Toilets 7 

Tops of furniture to be kept clear ic 

Towels: 

Allotment of, to employees 15-16 

Washing 16 

Traps, plumbing, to be kept filled 20 

Unocupied rooms: 

Care of 12 

Heating of .^c 

Urinals ^ 

Vacuum cleaner ic 

Varnished surfaces: 

Cleaning of ic 

Removing ink or grease stains from 1 1 

Wall bases 5 

Walls, soiling, when dusting ic 

Washing walls 13 

Waste-paper baskets 15 

Watchmen's report 4 

Water, waste of 8,20 

Wax finish on woodwork i ; 

Window and door screens ih 

Windows, cleaning of 14 

Wood bases 6 

Wood floors, treatment of 5-6 

Woodwork, wax finish on i ; 



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